SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer casts doubt on New Zealand and South Africa's future as Rugby World Cup hosts, citing revenue challenges. The Springboks and All Blacks, rugby's most successful nations, have won seven of the ten quadrennial competitions. However, Oberholzer questions the financial viability of hosting the tournament in these countries, given the competition's sole revenue stream for World Rugby. The next men's World Cup in 2027 will be hosted in Australia, followed by the USA, with no immediate plans to return to Africa or Aotearoa. Oberholzer emphasizes the financial aspect, stating that World Rugby prioritizes revenue generation, and hosting the tournament in South Africa or New Zealand may not yield the same financial benefits as other regions like America, Europe, or the Middle East. This shift in focus from equal hosting opportunities to revenue-driven decisions has sparked debate, with Oberholzer defending World Rugby's approach. The article also mentions potential future hosts, including Spain, Japan, Argentina, Italy, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, highlighting the global interest in hosting the prestigious tournament.
